There is a growing demand for certified weed free forage and mulch for use on public lands, in restoration and construction projects, and by private livestock owners who want to keep their land weed-free. The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management are in the process of implementing rulings requiring all forage and mulch transported onto federal land be certified as weed-free.
     The Nevada program follows the regional standards set by the North American Weed Management Association (NAWMA). It is a self-funded, voluntary program. Certification costs include $20/hr plus $.40/mile travel and inspection time, a $50 inspection fee, and the cost of the special colored twine (approximately $20-$22 a box).
To have a field certified, contact the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDOA) at 775-688-1180, ext. 238 and submit a request for inspection. The inspection must be made no more than 10 days before harvest. Certification is based on the absence of State and Regional noxious weeds. Inspections include the field, surrounding ditches, and stack yard. A field can be certified when weeds are present if no plant reproductive parts are present and no seed has been produced or there has been treatment to prevent seed production. For pellet or cube products, the field of origin is inspected. Certified forage is identified by special bale twine, special tags for pellet or cube bags. A Certificate of Inspection and a Transit Certificate are provided. For more information, or contact:

Lori Bellis
Nevada Dept. Of Agriculture
(775) 688-1180, ext. 238
e-mail: lbellis@agri.state.nv.us.
www.agri.state.nv.us/nwac/